Suns eclipse Nuggets, Rockets silence Thunder

Suns eclipse Nuggets, Rockets silence Thunder
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant attempts a shot against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the fourth quarter of an NBA game at Ball Arena Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports)
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Updated 28 March 2024
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Suns eclipse Nuggets, Rockets silence Thunder

Suns eclipse Nuggets, Rockets silence Thunder
  • The Warriors, fueled by 23 points from Andrew Wiggins and two late baskets by Stephen Curry, beat the Magic 101-93
  • Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James returned from a one-game absence to post a triple-double in a 136-124 victory over Memphis Grizzlies

LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 104-97 victory over reigning NBA champions Denver on Wednesday to keep things close at the top of the Western Conference.

The Suns made 16 three-pointers and never trailed after the first quarter in Denver.

Durant said it wasn’t a matter of making a statement, but of paying attention to detail in a demanding final playoff push.

“I don’t know if you’re trying to show anybody anything,” Durant said. “I think (we’re) just trying to keep getting better... we’re just trying to play good ball.”

Denver’s two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, playing with a sore back and hip, scored 22 points with nine rebounds and 10 assists.

But the Nuggets clearly felt the absence of point guard Jamal Murray, who missed a third straight game with a sprained left ankle.

It was just their third defeat in their 18 games since the All-Star break, but left them just one half-game ahead of Oklahoma City and Minnesota atop the West.

The Timberwolves beat the Detroit Pistons 106-91, but the short-handed Thunder fell to the red-hot Houston Rockets — who pushed their winning streak to 10 games with a 132-126 overtime triumph in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder were without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was sidelined with a right quadriceps contusion.

Josh Giddey carried the load in his absence, scoring 31 points. But Houston’s Jalen Green led all scorers with 37 points and the Rockets out-scored the Thunder 20-14 in overtime to seal the win.

Houston remained a game behind the Golden State Warriors for 10th place and the last play-in berth in the West.

The Warriors, fueled by 23 points from Andrew Wiggins and two late baskets by Stephen Curry, beat the Magic 101-93 in Orlando despite the ejection of Draymond Green just 3min 36sec into the contest.

Curry was left shaking his head when Green was tossed, receiving two quick technical fouls for heatedly arguing a foul call.

It was the fourth ejection of the season for Green, who missed 16 games after he was suspended in December for swinging an arm into the head of Suns center Jusuf Nurkic.

“Too bad,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Green’s ejection. “It was unfortunate. He deserved it and he’ll bounce back. I’m just proud of the guys for stepping up.”

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James returned from a one-game absence to post a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in a 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

James sat out the Lakers’ come-from-behind double-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday with a sore left ankle.

Anthony Davis, who played nearly 52 minutes on Tuesday, was sidelined with a hyperextended left knee.

But Rui Hachimura provided a big lift, drilling seven of eight three-point attempts on the way to 32 points with 10 rebounds to help the Lakers win their fifth straight.

There was controversy in Philadelphia.

The Los Angeles Clippers edged the 76ers 108-107 but officials acknowledged after the game they missed a call in the waning seconds that would have given the hosts the chance to win it at the free-throw line.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard made a pair of three-point plays in the final minute and came up with a big block on Kelly Oubre Jr. with 5.1 seconds remaining.

The Sixers, down by one, had one last opportunity after a jump ball and coach Nick Nurse was incensed that no foul was called on Paul George as he defended Oubre’s final attempt.

Nurse rushed onto the court to dispute the non-call, Oubre voicing his displeasure too.

“I just thought it was enough contact to call,” Nurse, sounding more conciliatory after the game, said. “But that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Referee Kevin Scott told a reporter that in real time officials thought George jumped vertically but that “in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender George, and a foul should have been called.”

There was some good news for the Sixers, as Nurse confirmed before the game he believed there was “a very good likelihood” that NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid would return before the post-season.

Embiid has been sidelined since January 30 by a knee injury that required surgery.


Baniyas leads table as Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicks off

Baniyas leads table as Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicks off
Updated 18 January 2025
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Baniyas leads table as Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicks off

Baniyas leads table as Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicks off
  • Day one of the the competition’s first round also saw MOD UAE in second and Al-Ain in third

ABU DHABI: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club took the lead on the opening day of the first round of the second Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

MOD UAE followed in second place, with Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club securing third.

The day featured competitions in the adult, masters and youth (under 18) categories, drawing hundreds of athletes from clubs and academies across the country.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a significant milestone in the federation’s efforts to promote the sport locally, across the continent, and internationally. It reflects our commitment to achieving excellence in all we do. This championship highlights the continued support of our wise leadership for jiu-jitsu, a sport that instils discipline, courage and self-confidence in our younger generations. This first round marks the beginning of a promising journey, filled with aspirations to reach new heights of achievement.”

He added: “The championship aligns with the federation’s strategy to develop jiu-jitsu and strengthen its role in fostering a healthy, cohesive society. Our goal is to establish a sustainable sporting legacy for future generations by organizing events that meet international standards.”

The tournament’s ranking system ensures equality among all players, awarding points for outstanding performances while also considering factors such as strategy, techniques and skills.

Jefferson Cordero, coach at MOD Academy, said: “Our team, consisting of around 145 athletes, is proud to participate in this prestigious tournament, which features a high level of competition. It provides our team with an excellent opportunity to test the players’ capabilities. We are delighted with our team’s performance and success in securing outstanding results, adding more medals to the club’s tally, and earning points that bring us closer to winning the tournament prize.”

Tareq Al-Zaabi, an MOD Academy athlete who won the gold medal in the masters category (brown/black belt) under 62 kg, said: “It is an honor to win the gold medal in this tournament, which carries a name so dear to us. I am determined to maintain this level of performance and achieve even more in future competitions. Over the past period, I have been focused on training hard to secure this victory and contribute to our academy’s success in earning the highest points as we strive for the title. I wish my teammates all the best.”


Sinclair, Warrican spin Pakistan to 230 all out in first Test against West Indies

Sinclair, Warrican spin Pakistan to 230 all out in first Test against West Indies
Updated 18 January 2025
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Sinclair, Warrican spin Pakistan to 230 all out in first Test against West Indies

Sinclair, Warrican spin Pakistan to 230 all out in first Test against West Indies
  • Warrican finished with 3-69 and Sinclair 2-61 as Pakistan lost six wickets for just 87 runs
  • The hosts resumed the day on 143-4, following 30-minute delay because of poor visibility

MULTAN: Spinners Jomel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair led a West Indies charge with five wickets between them to dismiss Pakistan for 230 on the second day of the first Test in Multan.
Warrican finished with 3-69 and Sinclair 2-61 as Pakistan lost six wickets for just 87 runs after resuming the day on 143-4, following another 30-minute delay because of poor visibility.
Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71) top-scored for the hosts.
Sinclair sparked the batting collapse with Shakeel’s wicket off the first ball after drinks as Pakistan lost four wickets off 28 balls for just 13 runs.
Last to go was Sajid Khan, who hit a boundary and a six in his rapid 18 before Warrican bowled him on the stroke of lunch.
Fast bowler Jayden Seales finished with 3-27, all his wickets coming on Friday.
Overnight batsmen Shakeel and Rizwan cautiously looked to build a competitive total, taking the score to 187 before the wickets began to tumble.
Sinclair drew Shakeel forward on a spinning delivery and the ensuing edge was well taken by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach.
Shakeel’s 84 off 157 deliveries had six boundaries.
He added an invaluable 141 for the fifth wicket with Rizwan, lifting Pakistan from a precarious 46-4 on day one.
From the other end left-armer Warrican bowled Salman Agha off an inside edge for two while Noman Ali was run out without scoring.
Sinclair then trapped Rizwan leg-before off a missed reverse sweep, turning the not-out decision in his favor after a West Indies review.
Rizwan’s 133-ball stay had nine boundaries.


‘Lucky loser’ Lys makes history to reach Australian Open last 16

‘Lucky loser’ Lys makes history to reach Australian Open last 16
Updated 18 January 2025
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‘Lucky loser’ Lys makes history to reach Australian Open last 16

‘Lucky loser’ Lys makes history to reach Australian Open last 16
  • Eva Lys called it “an insane story” and life-changing after the German made history on Saturday by reaching the last 16 and a date with Iga Swiatek

MELBOURNE: Eva Lys called it “an insane story” and life-changing after the German made history on Saturday by reaching the last 16 and a date with Iga Swiatek.
The 128th-ranked Lys fought back from a set down to become the first women’s singles “lucky loser” to reach the fourth round since the event moved to Melbourne Park in 1988.
The 23-year-old defeated Jaqueline Cristian of Romania 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and faces a daunting clash with the second seed and five-time Grand Slam champion on Monday.
A tennis tournament lucky loser is a player who does not get through qualifying for the main draw but is later awarded a berth following another player’s withdrawal, usually because of illness or injury.
“It definitely doesn’t feel real for me right now,” said Ukraine-born Lys, who had her flight booked and bags packed before getting a reprieve.
“I don’t know when the realization will kick in. It’s definitely just an amazing situation to be in, especially knowing that I was a lucky loser.”
It has been a whirlwind few days for Lys.
She lost in the final round of qualifying in Melbourne last week, her hopes of making the first major of the year seemingly over.
But she hung about in case another player would drop out and 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya did just that on Tuesday, giving Lys a lifeline.
She said she had just 10 minutes’ warning before defeating home player Kimberly Birrell in straight sets in the first round, then beat Varvara Gracheva of France.
“It’s definitely an insane story,” said Lys, who is enjoying easily her best run at a major and will need to reschedule her flight again — she had booked it for Sunday.
“How it happened, how fast it happened. It’s been just a couple of days that have totally changed my life,” she added.


Swiatek destroys Raducanu as Sinner steps up Melbourne defense

Swiatek destroys Raducanu as Sinner steps up Melbourne defense
Updated 18 January 2025
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Swiatek destroys Raducanu as Sinner steps up Melbourne defense

Swiatek destroys Raducanu as Sinner steps up Melbourne defense
  • Iga Swiatek romps to a 6-1, 6-0 triumph in a statement victory as she pursues a first Melbourne crown
  • Swiatek is a five-time major winner but she has never gone beyond the semifinals at Melbourne Park

MELBOURNE: Iga Swiatek demolished Emma Raducanu on Saturday to sweep into the last 16 of the Australian Open, where Jannik Sinner will later step up his title defense and young tyro Learner Tien is also in action.
In a one-sided battle of former US Open champions, Swiatek romped to a 6-1, 6-0 triumph in a statement victory as she pursues a first Melbourne crown.
Emma Navarro, the eighth seed from the United States, joined the Pole in the second week of the first Grand Slam of the year with a gritty three-set win over Ons Jabeur. Sixth seed Elena Rybakina also advanced.
“I felt like the ball is listening to me,” Swiatek said after rattling off 11 straight games in a brutal display against Britain’s Raducanu on Rod Laver Arena.
The 23-year-old Swiatek is a five-time major winner but she has never gone beyond the semifinals at Melbourne Park.
She faces “lucky loser” Eva Lys next.
“I feel much more fresh than for the past two years,” said Swiatek.
“The last two years I felt much more fatigue and also a bit more stress.”
Swiatek will be a massive favorite when she faces Germany’s Lys.
The 128th-ranked Lys defeated Jaqueline Cristian of Romania in three sets to become the first women’s singles “lucky loser” to reach the fourth round since the event moved to Melbourne Park in 1988.
Navarro credited her billionaire father for teaching her “toughness” as she clawed through 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 against three-time Slam finalist Jabeur.
Navarro has become a three-set specialist with no WTA player playing through more since the beginning of 2024, with the American 23-9 over the distance since then.
Daughter of billionaire businessman Ben Navarro, founder of the Sherman Financial Group, she praised her dad, who was courtside, for her stamina.
She recalled how he would take her and her siblings on six-hour bike rides when they were kids.
“We made up a term — biking and crying,” Navarro, 23, said.
“I learned a lot of toughness growing up. A lot of thanks goes to him.”
Also on day seven, former Wimbledon champion Rybakina of Kazakhstan needed a medical timeout to treat a back spasm before winning 6-3, 6-4 against Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine.
World number four Jasmine Paolini, who reached two Slam finals last year, faces another Ukrainian in Elina Svitolina later.
American Danielle Collins, who has become the pantomime villain after thanking hecklers for “paying my bills,” is also in action.
The world number 11, runner-up in the 2022 Australian Open final to Ash Barty, gets another chance to wind up the Australians in the crowd when she faces fellow American Madison Keys.
Italian world number one and defending champion Sinner faces American Marcos Giron as he seeks a berth in the last 16 in an evening match on Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner could meet 13th seed Holger Rune in the fourth round if the Dane gets past Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.
There will be intense interest in 19-year-old qualifier Tien, who stunned three-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev in a five-set epic.
The youngster wolfed down a pepperoni pizza in celebration following his 4hr 48min marathon against Medvedev that finished at nearly 3:00am on Friday.
He will need to recover fast for the challenge of 69th-ranked Corentin Moutet of France.
Tien’s victory over Medvedev saw him become the second youngest American man in the Open Era to reach the third round in Melbourne — behind only 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras in 1990.
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz faces timeless French veteran Gael Monfils and remaining home hope Alex de Minaur takes on Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.


Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla

Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla
Updated 17 January 2025
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Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla

Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla
  • Ikmah showed their real strength and dominance of Group 1 after two victories against Dadan 4-2 and AlUla team 5-4
  • Richard Mille topped Group 2 after defeating Budget 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Bentley

ALULA: Ikmah and Richard Mille have qualified to the final of the Richard Mille Desert Polo Championship 2025, and will face off in the final showdown that AlUla’s Al Fursan Village hosts on Saturday.
The fourth edition of the prestigious competition’s finale takes place at 4 p.m. Saudi time.
Ikmah showed their real strength and dominance of Group 1 after two victories against Dadan 4-2 and AlUla team 5-4.
Meanwhile, Richard Mille topped Group 2 after defeating Budget 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Bentley.
The tournament’s Friday matches saw intense competition in the presence of distinguished figures, including Piero Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, Amr Zidan, president of the Saudi Polo Federation, and Ziyad Al-Suhaibani, head of sports at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Meanwhile, AlUla battles against Bentley for third place, and Dadan faces Budget to determine the fifth and sixth positions before the final.
Speaking about the event’s significance, Faisal bin Duwies, the Saudi Polo Federation’s CEO,” expressed pride in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports arena.
“We take pride in seeing the Kingdom lead the global sports scene through prestigious championships.”
He emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering talent, highlighting the participation of polo legends from around the world, which enriches the experience for all competing players.
As anticipation builds, the final promises to be a thrilling display of skill and strategy, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier destination for world-class polo.
The championship is being organized in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.